Texas City to Impose "Crash Tax" for Car Accident Help

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Missouri City, Texas, will charge a fee of up to $2,000 for service for first responders.

Updated at 10:49 AM CST on Wednesday, Feb 20, 2013

If you are planning on driving through Missouri City, Texas, be cautious.

The Houston suburb has implemented a "crash tax" that requires drivers to pay a fee for their wrecks, according to KHOU 11 News in Texas.

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The fee is meant to cover the cost of first responders who handle auto accidents. The charge can cost drivers a couple thousand dollars.

Missouri City's Fire Department will begin charging for traffic accident service on March 1.

All drivers involved with the incident will be charged, even if they didn't phone for help.

The amount of the charge depends on how severe the accident is, ranging from $500 to $2,000, according to KHOU 11 News. The fees target drivers responsible for accidents, but not everyone feels the fee will be effective.

Fire Chief Russell Sander told KHOU the new fee will help cover the city's budget deficit. When asked to address concern over the charge, he said bills will be sent to insurance and shouldn't concern drivers.

A third party company handles the billing for the new fee and estimates say that the city will gain an extra $50,000 a year with the new measure, according to KHOU.